First offer tonight!

I'm sorry I don't have any actual advice about the recruiting process and what you should do. Just wanted to say congrats to you and your son. That's a huge accomplishment!

1738Dad,

Congrats!  That is a great first offer.  It sounds like you've made a list and visited a bunch of schools.  You have a feel for this and you know more than you think.   Letting other schools "directly" know he has an offer is a personal choice.  My son was not comfortable with that, but he let his travel coach and high school leak that information to other interested programs.  That approach worked for us.

A long time coach with a winning program says a lot.  So those are added positives.

So, my next questions would turn to academic fit and financial fit.  What does your son want to study and what is that academic program like at this school?  Is it good enough, good or excellent?  Also, after your son talks to the RC or Academic Liason about the academic side of the house, I'd request or reach out to a Financial Aid officer.  There may be additional programs and financial benefits available to your son if he posts a great SAT/ACT score to go along with his GPA...he is only a sophomore.  One school my son was considering had a Presidential scholarship available but there were strings attached.  Again, this is all about getting a lot of information in a short period of time.

One more thing that you need to find out is how long is the offer good for.  When my son received his first offer it was not time bound.  However, a few weeks later a time deadline was applied when the RC found out that another school offered, and he was visiting another school.   This looks like a sincere offer on their part.   Good luck, and take as much time as you need to feel comfortable or not comfortable with it is my best advice!

As always, JMO.

Congrats on the offer. It's nice to get a decent offer from a school that was high on the list.

As Fenway mentioned, you are going to want to spend some time talking to financial aid at the school.

Right now it is hard for them to give you an exact number because he still has a couple of years to go - however they can tell you what type of financial awards certain GPA/SAT numbers can get you typically.

That can give you a good basis for things your son needs to shoot for in order to lower the costs as much as possible.  My oldest is an academic kid, so by the time junior year rolled around he had a good idea of what he needed on his SAT and GPA to get the max money from his prospective colleges.

Also, make sure what the offer actually works out to money-wise.  Because it is offered as a percentage, you need to find out what exactly the percentage applies to.  Is it just tuition, or does it include room and board, books?  You want to make sure you are comparing the same things if he gets other offers.

That's amazing!  Congratulations to you and your son!  For me since it is early the question I have is, is it top 3 (as in your son views all top 3 the same) or is it third (as in he would prefer the other two). 

If it is the latter and he has seen some interest from the other two, seems worthwhile to find a way to let the other two schools he prefers know.   Then he can make the MOST informed decision possible...

Good luck and congrats again!

No! Don't Call Bunt! posted:

 

If it is the latter and he has seen some interest from the other two, seems worthwhile to find a way to let the other two schools he prefers know.   Then he can make the MOST informed decision possible...

Good luck and congrats again!

No! NO. You never play one program against the other. Remember they are better at this than you are!

A sophmore in HS does not need to say yes at this time to his first offer. Do not decline but be honest and tell them that the you aren't ready. Plus Rob made a good point, 60% now with rising costs of education may be only worth 40% in 2-3 years from now. Plus always consider travel costs of out of state.

This is why committing so early is more favorable for the program, not the student athlete. 

60% is a VERY good offer!!!  Add in academic money and the fact that it's a school that he likes, wins and has a good coach and I wouldn't be afraid to jump in and take it if that's what you and your son decide to do.   As far as letting others know....there's no reason your son can't mention it the next time another coach talks to him.  He doesn't need to give them the %, but there's no reason he can't just say "coach, I'm still very interested in your program, but I do have an offer from another school that I also am interested in that I'm considering".   It would be different if your son's offer was from a school that he hated and would never consider attending, but at this point, it's no different than a job offer....if you get 3, you're going to take everything into consideration....but in most cases $$$$ is the deciding factor.   As far as how long the offer is good, there's only one way to know....your son will have to ask the coach.   You shouldn't talk to the coach, it's your son's deal now.  You can help him with questions, etc, but unless there is something financially that you don't understand it should be your son.  Keep in mind, coaches aren't great with numbers....especially academic money...that's not there problem.   Your son should know if the offer is 60% of tuition or tuition plus room/board.   It's not a Power 5, so books likely aren't part of it...but who knows until you ask.   Congrats to your son....and good luck

TPM posted:

No! NO. You never play one program against the other. Remember they are better at this than you are!

A sophmore in HS does not need to say yes at this time to his first offer. Do not decline but be honest and tell them that the you aren't ready. Plus Rob made a good point, 60% now with rising costs of education may be only worth 40% in 2-3 years from now. Plus always consider travel costs of out of state.

This is why committing so early is more favorable for the program, not the student athlete. 

Congrats to you and your son!!

Fenway, TPM, and others have given great advice. But I would counter TPM with a comment/question. If this school is in players' top 3 list, and they are making a good financial offer, what is the downside to a verbal commit for the player in this specific scenario? (I understand in general terms that early verbal offers benefit the school, not the player. So I'm asking specifically about this kids' specific scenario with one of his top choices.) I could envision my 2021 in a similar scenario next year so I'm very interested in hearing feedback. 

Chances are the other coaches already know.  It's a small world, and it is amazing what these coaches know.  Wouldn't be surprised to see other offers come soon.

Zia2021 posted:

TPM posted:

No! NO. You never play one program against the other. Remember they are better at this than you are!

A sophmore in HS does not need to say yes at this time to his first offer. Do not decline but be honest and tell them that the you aren't ready. Plus Rob made a good point, 60% now with rising costs of education may be only worth 40% in 2-3 years from now. Plus always consider travel costs of out of state.

This is why committing so early is more favorable for the program, not the student athlete. 

Congrats to you and your son!!

Fenway, TPM, and others have given great advice. But I would counter TPM with a comment/question. If this school is in players' top 3 list, and they are making a good financial offer, what is the downside to a verbal commit for the player in this specific scenario? (I understand in general terms that early verbal offers benefit the school, not the player. So I'm asking specifically about this kids' specific scenario with one of his top choices.) I could envision my 2021 in a similar scenario next year so I'm very interested in hearing feedback. 

Vanderbilt, Florida, a couple others are deep into their 2020 recruiting, or finished.  Mid D1's have few to no 2020 recruits.  Schools are projecting what your son will be in 2 1/2 years.  But so are you!  And (I'm guessing, I don't want to reread the thread right now) you are not a baseball guy, at least like a college coach.  The further away, the more risk for all involved.  My guess is there is time for this school.  If you guys have been able to think through possible outcomes, the ones not in anyone's baseball dreams - Son develops like crazy, coulda gone to Big Winning State School, son doesn't develop, loses passion for game, gets injured, ten other guys just like him and he never sees the field, doesn't study and doesn't make grades, coach changes and new coach have their own idea of what a recruit is...and on and on.

But nobody knows your situation better than you.  Good Luck!

Zia2021 posted:

TPM posted:

No! NO. You never play one program against the other. Remember they are better at this than you are!

A sophmore in HS does not need to say yes at this time to his first offer. Do not decline but be honest and tell them that the you aren't ready. Plus Rob made a good point, 60% now with rising costs of education may be only worth 40% in 2-3 years from now. Plus always consider travel costs of out of state.

This is why committing so early is more favorable for the program, not the student athlete. 

Congrats to you and your son!!

Fenway, TPM, and others have given great advice. But I would counter TPM with a comment/question. If this school is in players' top 3 list, and they are making a good financial offer, what is the downside to a verbal commit for the player in this specific scenario? (I understand in general terms that early verbal offers benefit the school, not the player. So I'm asking specifically about this kids' specific scenario with one of his top choices.) I could envision my 2021 in a similar scenario next year so I'm very interested in hearing feedback. 

I have never been a fan of a 16 year old committing, unless the commitment goes beyond sports, which would be based on other circumstances such as geography, degree sought, financial. 60% athletic is a great offer. But 60 of what, public, private, how much would it actually mean over 4 years? How much is out of state tuition.  What is the graduation rate?  And relying on academic  $$ years before graduation isn't always wise. JMO

If son had taken his first offer, which was a consideration, he would not have been happy when he set foot on campus. If he committed to his first choice, he wouldn't have been happier either.

I understand that this is a very exciting time for everyone, but jumping on the first offer is nothing I have ever recommended, and never will, despite changes occurring in the recruiting process. The changes were made for a reason, and IMO you are going to see a lot more early offers come in, I don't think that really is a good thing. It will remove you from further recruiting. 

I don't understand the statement, "has chance to play as a freshman". How do you know that 3 years in advance? Did the coach indicate that ? 

One thing that I find amusing that has been brought up many, many times.  Players committ early, 3 years later coaching staff changes, now the player wants out.  Well, the player made that choice, always remember that. We all know things change when coaches change.

You just can't have it both ways. Make decisions for the right reasons. Don't ever committ because you are afraid another might not come. Maybe as a senior in spring that may apply, but not as a sophmore in April.

There are exceptions, IMO. 

1738Dad posted:

My gut tells me this is as good as it gets - a great winning D1 program with long term coach, top school on his list (top 80 academic nationally), opportunity to start as a freshman and 60% athletic....but I just don't have experience with this stuff to know, accept hearing that "you shouldn't jump at the first offer".

 

 

I would be careful about making this part of your decision process.  Where does that come from?  Coach?   Every player has the "opportunity to start as a freshman"....they're all on the team.  Obviously all 33 kids can't start as a freshman.   I've read that same line on here so many times that it's obvious that that's a recruiting tool that coaches use.  Is it a false statement?  Nope, because as I said, he does have the "opportunity".  Is it likely?  Freshman 1B?   Not really based on what I've seen.  He'll likely be competing against a kid with 2-3 years of experience batting against college pitchers who is older, bigger and stronger.   Don't mean this to come off sounding harsh....just the reality of college baseball

Buckeye 2015 posted:

1738Dad posted:

My gut tells me this is as good as it gets - a great winning D1 program with long term coach, top school on his list (top 80 academic nationally), opportunity to start as a freshman and 60% athletic....but I just don't have experience with this stuff to know, accept hearing that "you shouldn't jump at the first offer".

 

 

I would be careful about making this part of your decision process.  Where does that come from?  Coach?   Every player has the "opportunity to start as a freshman"....they're all on the team.  Obviously all 33 kids can't start as a freshman.   I've read that same line on here so many times that it's obvious that that's a recruiting tool that coaches use.  Is it a false statement?  Nope, because as I said, he does have the "opportunity".  Is it likely?  Freshman 1B?   Not really based on what I've seen.  He'll likely be competing against a kid with 2-3 years of experience batting against college pitchers who is older, bigger and stronger.   Don't mean this to come off sounding harsh....just the reality of college basebal. This is a tool used by some coaches to get a commitment.  

Well said. It's part of coach speak to get you on board. Sometimes it's said because they have a tough time with getting commitment later than sooner. 

It's not always a bad thing, but it's just an example that they know how to do it better than we do.

One thing that I find amusing that has been brought up many, many times. Players committ early, 3 years later coaching staff changes, now the player wants out. Well, the player made that choice, always remember that. We all know things change when coaches change.

This works both ways.  Coach recruits kid to school, he leaves/gets fired, new coach comes in, and doesn't want your son.

rynoattack posted:

One thing that I find amusing that has been brought up many, many times. Players committ early, 3 years later coaching staff changes, now the player wants out. Well, the player made that choice, always remember that. We all know things change when coaches change.

This works both ways.  Coach recruits kid to school, he leaves/gets fired, new coach comes in, and doesn't want your son.

 

 

My point is that it is something to think about. Many coaches give players chances, because it isn't their fault that the coach got fired or accepted a better position. 

Usually the player asked to leave really wasn't supposed to be there in the first place.  JMO. Sorry if that sounds harsh but it is true.

It's just something for consideration.

rynoattack posted:

One thing that I find amusing that has been brought up many, many times. Players committ early, 3 years later coaching staff changes, now the player wants out. Well, the player made that choice, always remember that. We all know things change when coaches change.

This works both ways.  Coach recruits kid to school, he leaves/gets fired, new coach comes in, and doesn't want your son.

 

 

I am watching this play out with sons D3 team, fortunately he is a new coach recruit but it isn't pretty.

Congrats. It's validation and a big deal. Good luck going forward.

OP ....Listen to Fenway and TPM.... they know..... I know it's exciting as all get out....  relax keep getting better. This a marathon 

Glad I'm past the recruiting game........

Look at the stability of the program more than the coach. How was the program before the coach? Quality coaches at mid majors often use the job as a stepping stone to move up.

I don't understand the statement, "has chance to play as a freshman". How do you know that 3 years in advance? Did the coach indicate that ? 

This isn't for TPM. She’s very aware if this. It’s for those who haven't been there. 

Coach says: You will compete for a starting position.

Parent hears: He has a good chance to start.

Reality: Everyone is competing to start every year as a new stream of recruits enter the program.

More reality: 50% of D1 players who heard they will compete for a starting position freshman year transfer by the end of soph sesson. 

Wow - thank you for all of the advice, can't thank you enough!

As if on queue he just heard from his HS coach to call one of the other interested coaches asap, and another reached out through his travel coach for a call tomorrow. Maybe word does travel fast.

A little more detail for what is worth. Its a ranked academic college in his fields of interest (top 3 in USA for one field) , the team has very recent NCAA tournament experience and the coach is 15+ years with deep roots in the community. Prior coach in NCAA HOF member.  There is always risk with coaching change but on comparing vs other options, and friends going through the same thing, its as safe as it can get at this point regarding coach longevity IMO. I am crystal clear that "opportunity to start" is meaningless, we know that will be 100% determined by my sons continued evolution, hardwork and taking advantage of opportunity when presented. Its a non factor in the decision.

My 2020 "on paper" doesn't attract immediate attention at 5'11" 1B (also OF), but once they see him play, 93mph tee exit velo as Freshman, he gets interest galore as he can flat out hit. Also a strong kid at 205lb with a dead-lift approaching 500lbs. He's a low 80s lefty both off mound and across diamond, 87 from OF. When I asked one D1 coach what was his first impression of him he said " have you seen his back?". Also, we are out of the picture for financial aid given family income, went through that with my oldest child (college freshman), all the colleges on his list are out of state (no great options in state) and in the $45-$60k range. My son is a very humble boy and was never caught up in the D1 power 5 chase, just wants to have the opportunity to play everyday at a school he loves. Although finances matter, there are WAY more important factors (like being well positioned for the 40 years of work after baseball), we wont be making a decision just based on money.

He's been taking hitting lessons for a few years with a NE regional scout for a West Coast MLB team so I called him this morning asking for advice. His was along a lot of what you guys said:

(A) Wait until the end of the HS season, at least, before making a decision. Most colleges will be fine with that  and that would give him time to be seen again by the other interested teams (B) He talks to the other interested (two mentioned approx scholarship ranges during visits) teams every few weeks and to mention the offer in a humble way. That would either get other options very quickly or at least get them out to watch him again even quicker. (C) To understand what the 60% covered and was made up of, and get a much clearer picture of academic money as it will play a bigger role for my kid who is an honors/AP student (D) He thought the 60%, assuming it was athletic only with no strings attached, was an outstanding offer. (E) That given he shows very well at showcases and camps, that the next "new" round of interest would be in Fall post travel/showcase exposure and that would likely be too long to delay this offer (F) and that we could possibly end up at a power 5 school but he would be at the back-end of the signing period (this fall) and would certainly be less than 60% with much more uncertainty in playing time. He thought a lot of the money would be off the table by then. Overall more risky and lower comfort level...better to be a big fish in a small pond than the other way around.

In a nutshell: buy some time, generate or accelerate more offers with his play over the next couple months and make a decision pre Summer: Take the existing offer (or better if available) OR buckle in and get ready for more showcases, visits etc with a higher degree of risk. 

Sorry for the long winded email, Ill keep you guys abreast of how this unfolds. 

Not lost in all of this is watching my child experience the ultimate reward for his years of hard-work. He is over the moon there's validation his dream continues. I can't help but see him as that little tee ball player who's just loved to get dirty and sit in the dugout cheering with a grin ear to ear. Never sad with a strike out or failure, always using it as fuel to learn. Or being woken up many summer mornings my the ping of the bat off the tee into the net. He just hasn't changed, and know matter where this all ends-up, that is the greatest gift of all. I'm  just along for the ride and to throw an occasional sub par BP.

Great stuff.  Thanks for sharing and best of luck!!  Remember to keep us udpated.

1738dad,

Good luck to your son.

My experience is the only way to tell how much a coach REALLY likes you and your true chance to play is how much money he commits to you vs other players at your position. Many coaches tell everyone the same things and the only difference how much money you get, They are salesman and are paid to win ballgames, they do everything within the rules to do that and ethics mean nothing to them.

"ethics mean nothing to them"   I disagree...... you must have been in the wrong program

And how would one ever know what a coach offers to others at the same position? 

Son accepted the first offer summer between soph and Jr years.  

After many invited unofficial visits, AND the Big State U's finishing up their offers, AND slots for his position were fading, AND son not a pitcher, AND getting a good offer,  AND it was a state school, AND the school was a high academic school, AND son had no idea what he wanted to study, son took the offer and committed.  

The weekend after son signed his NLI, he got a call from the HC that he was leaving and the assistant was taking over.  

It all worked out well for our son.  But I just wanted to let you know he took an early first offer.  (He did start as a freshman and eventually drafted out of a mid-major school).

Your son needs to go where he can get a degree, where he is "loved", and where he can play.   More money does not equal a better opportunity.

floridaguy posted:

My experience is the only way to tell how much a coach REALLY likes you and your true chance to play is how much money he commits to you vs other players at your position. Many coaches tell everyone the same things and the only difference how much money you get, They are salesman and are paid to win ballgames, they do everything within the rules to do that and ethics mean nothing to them.

Is “salesman” a derogatory term?

The term salesman may or may not be derogatory. It depends on your point of view and the role you have in the transaction. To an AD a coach/salesman is exactly what he wants for example. To the player you need to realize what they he salesman's goals are as it pertains to you 

bacdorslider posted:

"ethics mean nothing to them"   I disagree...... you must have been in the wrong program

Perhaps, but I know lots of players in those "wrong programs". For many coaches keeping the dugout full of quality players is a goal. What they tell each player seldom matches up with that.

1738Dad posted:

And how would one ever know what a coach offers to others at the same position? 

That's certainly tricky. Frequently you can talk to last years starter at that position and if they are returning.cDuring your recruiting visit ask them. You need to be creative to get that information but it is most vital 

floridaguy posted:

The term salesman may or may not be derogatory. It depends on your point of view and the role you have in the transaction. To an AD a coach/salesman is exactly what he wants for example. To the player you need to realize what they he salesman's goals are as it pertains to you 

I don’t think you understand what a profession salesman’s goals are. They are for both sides to win. You’re confusing some people who are unprofessional  sales people with professional sales people. When sales people misrepresent the situation they are unprofessional. 

People who sell like used car dealers are a small minority. But they create an impression sales people are sleazy. It makes people run from the word. Even when i was a VP of Sales and Marketing when i asked what i did i responded i was in sales. I wasn't going to run from the word. I considered myself a professional who could help.  If you operate in good faith there’s nothing to run from. 

The same works in recruiting. Over time you will hear which coaches are honest and which ones aren’t. Like any area of sales the coach who misleads prospects ultimately has trouble recruiting and loses his job because he’s losing. 

Conversely bubble prospects will take risks and hear what they want to hear from a coach and tune out the red flags. When the situation goes south the kid and his parents blame the coach when they should be looking in the mirror.

RJM posted:

floridaguy posted:

The term salesman may or may not be derogatory. It depends on your point of view and the role you have in the transaction. To an AD a coach/salesman is exactly what he wants for example. To the player you need to realize what they he salesman's goals are as it pertains to you 

I don’t think you understand what a profession salesman’s goals are. They are for both sides to win. You’re confusing some people who are unprofessional  sales people with professional sales people. When sales people misrepresent the situation they are unprofessional. 

People who sell like used car dealers are a small minority. But they create an impression sales people are sleazy. It makes people run from the word. Even when i was a VP of Sales and Marketing when i asked what i did i responded i was in sales. I wasn't going to run from the word. I considered myself a professional who could help.  If you operate in good faith there’s nothing to run from. 

The same works in recruiting. Over time you will hear which coaches are honest and which ones aren’t. Like any area of sales the coach who misleads prospects ultimately has trouble recruiting and loses his job because he’s losing. 

Conversely bubble prospects will take risks and hear what they want to hear from a coach and tune out the red flags. When the situation goes south the kid and his parents blame the coach when they should be looking in the mirror.

Is Wells Fargo a professional enough institution to have honest salespeople. I would think so, yet the pressures the sales professionals were under to meet quotas and to "win" or be fired were so great that thousands of them sold unethical products to unsuspecting customers. They were just fined $1 billion for that bit of "professionalism.

It may be nice to think that a coach is any different and has players best interests at heart. I think that is pie in the sky hoping for something better than the truth. I personal know of a situation that a coach told 10 hitters on a D1 team that they would be starting come the beginning of the season. There is no ethical explanation for that. The same coach when confronted by a player that would be his backup SS that he was thinking of leaving if he wouldn't be starting was told "with the way you have been doing in scrimmages I don't see how I wouldn't be playing you". The player was a senior and didn't want to waste his last year of eligibility and had been a starter the previous year. His senior year he had minimal playing time but the coach got to keep his backup SS regardless of what was best for the player. (BTW, this was NOT my son but was on my son's team). You may think of coaches anyway you chose but I have too many examples of unethical behavior to believe that most of them are professional altruistic "salesman".

It is nice to hear both opinions however and I am glad you have given us the benefit of your viewpoints. I respect your thoughts and hope you respect mine as much.

We’ve (my son and I) have talked with several schools and the conversation of playing time has never or will ever come up because I know that it will come down to how he performs and how he buys into the program/what they are teaching. 

Personally, I would be leery if a coach made any sort of guarantee, unless it’s a guarantee that he’ll have a chance to compete and earn a job. 

floridaguy posted:

RJM posted:

floridaguy posted:

The term salesman may or may not be derogatory. It depends on your point of view and the role you have in the transaction. To an AD a coach/salesman is exactly what he wants for example. To the player you need to realize what they he salesman's goals are as it pertains to you 

I don’t think you understand what a profession salesman’s goals are. They are for both sides to win. You’re confusing some people who are unprofessional  sales people with professional sales people. When sales people misrepresent the situation they are unprofessional. 

People who sell like used car dealers are a small minority. But they create an impression sales people are sleazy. It makes people run from the word. Even when i was a VP of Sales and Marketing when i asked what i did i responded i was in sales. I wasn't going to run from the word. I considered myself a professional who could help.  If you operate in good faith there’s nothing to run from. 

The same works in recruiting. Over time you will hear which coaches are honest and which ones aren’t. Like any area of sales the coach who misleads prospects ultimately has trouble recruiting and loses his job because he’s losing. 

Conversely bubble prospects will take risks and hear what they want to hear from a coach and tune out the red flags. When the situation goes south the kid and his parents blame the coach when they should be looking in the mirror.

Is Wells Fargo a professional enough institution to have honest salespeople. I would think so, yet the pressures the sales professionals were under to meet quotas and to "win" or be fired were so great that thousands of them sold unethical products to unsuspecting customers. They were just fined $1 billion for that bit of "professionalism.

It may be nice to think that a coach is any different and has players best interests at heart. I think that is pie in the sky hoping for something better than the truth. I personal know of a situation that a coach told 10 hitters on a D1 team that they would be starting come the beginning of the season. There is no ethical explanation for that. The same coach when confronted by a player that would be his backup SS that he was thinking of leaving if he wouldn't be starting was told "with the way you have been doing in scrimmages I don't see how I wouldn't be playing you". The player was a senior and didn't want to waste his last year of eligibility and had been a starter the previous year. His senior year he had minimal playing time but the coach got to keep his backup SS regardless of what was best for the player. (BTW, this was NOT my son but was on my son's team). You may think of coaches anyway you chose but I have too many examples of unethical behavior to believe that most of them are professional altruistic "salesman".

It is nice to hear both opinions however and I am glad you have given us the benefit of your viewpoints. I respect your thoughts and hope you respect mine as much.

There are over thirty million registered corporations in the United States. To point the finger at one, or even one thousand would be anecdotal.

How do you know a coach promised ten players starting positions? Did you witness it? Are you taking the word of 18-22yo players? Is it possible some of them heard one thing and translated it another way? Once again, how many college baseball programs are there? Over one thousand? One hundred of these circumstances would be anecdotal. 

As a former athlete, coach and parent of athletes I’ve never considered anything said before the opening day lineup is written to be binding. Too many variables can change. As a coach I never promised anything.

Years ago I did play college summer ball for coach who promised more than nine position players starting positions. He was an aspiring college coach.  He never got there due to his lack of ethics. In fact, he was ultimately fired as a high school coach due to his lack of ethics. 

The situation worked out. I agreed to play first. I started most of the time. When he contacted me for the following summer I laughed at him and said, no thanks. Opening day the following year he must have warned his shortstop I was pissed off and might come in high breaking up two. His shortstop dropped the ball on my clean slide. 

I’ll consider this a friendly disagreement. 

hshuler posted:

We’ve (my son and I) have talked with several schools and the conversation of playing time has never or will ever come up because I know that it will come down to how he performs and how he buys into the program/what they are teaching. 

Personally, I would be leery if a coach made any sort of guarantee, unless it’s a guarantee that he’ll have a chance to compete and earn a job. 

Promises made long before the season are suspect for sure. Those given just before the season begins should be accurate and not done just to keep players from leaving.

floridaguy posted:

hshuler posted:

We’ve (my son and I) have talked with several schools and the conversation of playing time has never or will ever come up because I know that it will come down to how he performs and how he buys into the program/what they are teaching. 

Personally, I would be leery if a coach made any sort of guarantee, unless it’s a guarantee that he’ll have a chance to compete and earn a job. 

Promises made long before the season are suspect for sure. Those given just before the season begins should be accurate and not done just to keep players from leaving.

Agreed!

My son is 2020 so he can’t be guaranteed anything except an opportunity. 

I do know of a fellow 2020 who committed a few months back and I distinctly remember his parent saying the coach said he would start as a freshmen.

Now, whether that was actually said is a different story for a different day but that’s what they believe.